The Centre for Community Outreach and Care was recently established by the Child and Youth Care Department at Vancouver Island University. Our purpose is to provide enriched practical learning experiences for Child and Youth Care students through partnering with the local Harewood community to engage in child and family focused activities. Under the educational direction of faculty, student groups will complete any needed research, work with community partners to identify needs, as well as develop the parameters of agreed upon projects.
Current centre activities
Friday Night Lights Outreach program
Friday Night Lights brings kids, families, and the community together for connection, fun, and support. This weekly gathering offers free activities, food, and opportunities to build positive relationships with Child and Youth care students and volunteers from Vancouver Island University. This is a place where kids feel safe, families feel supported, and everyone belongs, through play, shared meals, and access to resources. Friday night lights help strengthen the community and build brighter futures.
Past centre activities
Youth Mental Health Project
The overall goal of this project was to increase the capacity of young people (youth) to prevent and manage depression and anxiety. Students worked in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, local schools, and other community partners. Students created and facilitated a 6‑week Stomp Out Stigma – Youth Mental Health Group in the Harewood community. The students also created and presented mental health presentations to high school classes in Harewood.
Queer, Transgender and Transitioning Youth Group
Students working on this project supported a pre‑existing 'queer youth group.' This group was made up of approximately 20 youth and young adults who met weekly to connect, build friendships, and support one another. Our students facilitated specific workshop topics in response to needs identified by the group and worked with the volunteer facilitators to help build their capacity as facilitators. Students also worked through a planning process with this group to identify needs and priorities. In addition, students facilitated the Barsby Gay Straight Alliance at Barsby High School, which had been started by CYC students.
Here to There Social Justice Initiative
Students working on this project aimed to increase awareness of social justice issues in the Harewood community and globally. The focus for the year was on food sustainability, and students worked to develop the Child and Youth Care social justice club, support the work of KIDS International, and develop a local food security project with various community partners to be implemented in the New Year. This group, along with members of the Child and Youth Care Social Justice Club, hosted community‑wide special events and fundraising initiatives in support of KIDS and children here and in Cambodia. Students also created and facilitated a 4‑week Food Sense workshop for young mothers in the Harewood community. This program was run out of Barsby High School.